Porter Wright professionals appointed to leadership, committee roles with INTA

Two members of Porter Wright’s Intellectual Property Practice Group have been selected to serve on committees of the International Trademark Association (INTA) for the 2014-16 term. Melanie Martin-Jones, a partner in the firm’s Corporate Department, has been nominated to serve as vice-chair of the Harmonization of Trademark Law and Practice Committee and Belinda Reynolds, a paralegal on the firm’s Intellectual Property team, has been appointed to serve on the Trademark Administrators Committee (TMA).

As vice-chair of the Harmonization of Trademark Law and Practice Committee, Martin-Jones will lead the evaluation of “efforts on national, regional and international levels through treaties, trade agreements, special conventions and other non-binding instruments that relate to trademark law and practice.” The Committee also advances and advocates INTA’s existing policy positions, and drafts and advocates proposed treaty language to relevant government officials. Martin-Jones has served INTA through a committee or subcommittee role for the past eight years, chairing the International Classification Subcommittee for the past four, and is a past recipient of INTA’s Volunteer Service Award for Advancement of Trademark Law. The Harmonization of Trademark Law and Practice Committee falls under the Policy Development and Advocacy (PDA) Group Council of INTA.

As a member of INTA for 20 years, Reynolds has been appointed to the TMA Committee for the third year and will continue to help “develop, implement and maintain various educational programs and resources for trademark administrators (TMAs) and initiatives to enhance professional development opportunities for TMAs and elevate the prominence of TMAs within INTA and the practice area.” The TMA Committee falls under INTA’s Education and Services (ESG) Group Council.

“I am proud of my colleagues and friends who have chosen to serve in leadership roles with INTA. The Association offers a great opportunity for trademark owners and associated professionals to promote the role and value of trademarks worldwide and better understand the intricacies of trademark law and brand protection. We applaud Melanie and Belinda’s leadership efforts,” noted Holly Kozlowski, chair of the firm’s Intellectual Property Practice Group.